According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over one in three U.S. adults 45 and older feel lonely. About one in four older adults aged 65 and older also face social isolation. Older adults are at a higher risk for these problems because they’re more likely to live alone or have lost family and friends.
The good news is that a senior living community in Lawton, OK, can help older adults feel less lonely and isolated. Here, residents enjoy well-planned, engaging elderly social opportunities and senior companionship.
To that end, the experts at Morada Lawton developed this guide exploring how assisted living communities encourage socialization in seniors. So please read on, as what you learn here can help you decide if senior community living is right for you or your loved one.
The Crucial Roles Senior Social Activities Play
Older adults, especially those living alone, may no longer be as socially active as they once were. After all, they no longer have to work once they retire, giving them fewer reasons to go out. Unfortunately, the less they go out, the fewer interactions they may have.
The problem is that reduced interactions can lead to loneliness and isolation. According to WebMD, social isolation can increase older adults’ dementia risk by 40%. Loneliness can also make people more likely to develop depression.
Addressing loneliness and social isolation is therefore crucial to senior health, which meaningful interactions and socialization can help with. Getting to meet people, whether new or old, can stimulate the brain and stir up positive emotions.
As the National Institute on Aging (NIA) says, staying connected can prevent loneliness and isolation while supporting healthier cognitive function. Healthy cognitive function, in turn, can help you or your loved one stay sharp and worry less about memory woes.
How a Senior Living Community in Lawton Promotes Socialization
Assisted living communities enrich the lives of seniors through planned social events, daily interactions, and personalized care. The best ones, such as Morada Lawton, are also pet-friendly, giving residents more reasons to socialize.
Full Calendar of Engaging Daily Activities
Assisted living communities increase community engagement for seniors by developing daily activity calendars. The calendars incorporate activities and events designed for group participation, helping enhance their residents’ retirement social life.
For example, here at Morada Lawton, we plan activities that let our residents meet new people and make friends while:
- Playing games like dominoes, bowling, bingo, card games, word games, charades, and mini golf
- Relaxing and chatting over a cup of joe and donuts during coffee time
- Enjoying movies together
- Stimulating their brains by doing arts and crafts
- Pampering themselves with manicures and massages
- Staying physically active with daily exercises
Our community also organizes lunch outings and field trips to give our residents a change of pace. Our expert staff handles the logistics and transportation so that our residents can focus on socializing and having fun.
Compassionate Interactions With Caring Support Staff
An assisted living community specializes in providing individualized care services to residents. Here, highly trained and experienced staff help residents with various activities of daily living (ADLs). For example, at Morada Lawton, our friendly and compassionate staff members help residents with:
- Personal hygiene, like showering and bathing
- Toileting
- Hair and nail grooming
- Dressing
- Moving about
- Managing medications
Whenever our caring staff members provide personalized care services, they initiate friendly conversations and interactions. We know that sometimes, all it takes to make someone feel valued and appreciated is to talk to them.
Inviting Outdoor Areas
According to the University of Minnesota, humans are “genetically programmed” to find trees, plants, and other similar nature elements engrossing. Think about it; you likely react with a “Wow” or “Woah” whenever you see thriving gardens, parks, or forests, even if they’re only images or videos.
So, it’s no wonder we naturally gravitate toward green outdoor spaces. And for good reasons: As the University of Minnesota pointed out, nature heals, soothes, and restores. It helps reduce stress and other negative emotions while increasing happiness.
The good news is that senior living communities have inviting outdoor spaces that encourage relaxation and socialization. At Morada Lawton, we further encourage interactions by scheduling gardening time so our residents can enjoy the wonders of nature in each other’s company.
Making Dining a Social Thing
One of the primary benefits senior living communities provide is quality, organized dining. A team of kitchen experts prepares the meals, carefully considering senior nutrition and dietary restrictions. They serve the meals in a beautiful and inviting dining environment.
Residents can then enjoy delicious and nutritious meals and use them as opportunities to socialize. They can break bread with their friends while enjoying stimulating conversations.
At Morada Lawton, we don’t just provide our residents with prepared meals. Our well-appointed, comfortable apartments also have modern amenities, including a kitchenette and a refrigerator/freezer. So residents can prepare meals and snacks in the comfort of their private living spaces and enjoy them with their neighbors and friends.
Even More Fun and Socialization With Pets
If you or your older loved one has a pet, you’ll be happy to know that the best senior living communities will welcome them, too.
For example, at Morada Lawton, our apartments and many amenities are pet-friendly. After all, we know that pets are family and a crucial source of companionship and affection. We even encourage our residents and their furry family members to socialize with their fellow residents and “fur parents.”
Stay Social and Active at Morada Lawton
Being socially active doesn’t have to be difficult when you or your loved one hits retirement. If you choose the right senior living community in Lawton, OK, you’ll have many opportunities to socialize, meet new people, and make long-lasting and meaningful connections.
At Morada Lawton, something fun and engaging is always going on, so it’s unlikely that you or your elderly family member will ever get bored here.
If you’re ready to discover what makes Morada Lawton an excellent choice, please don’t hesitate to call us today and schedule your visit. We’ll happily give you a tour of our beautiful community where residents thrive in their golden years.
